Author: Friends of Children

Follow the link to check out Devonne McLaughlin’s moving blog about the hope and dignity she found in the Friends of Children community. Devonne was part of Friends of Children’s Foster Dignity and Seeing Our Voices programs. Thank you, Devonne, and thank you to UMass for highlighting the amazing resilience of foster youth! We are honored to … More Our community makes a difference!

The six Massachusetts CASA programs have been awarded the first “Doing Justice” award from the Massachusetts Judges Conference, a professional association of the state’s court judges. Please join us in congratulating Debi Belkin, Director of our Franklin/Hampshire CASA program, and our colleagues around the state! This award recognizes the unrelenting commitment, perseverance and initiative rendered by the volunteers … More Congratulations CASA!

“Avery” felt worried as he started 1st grade last year. He was in a new town where he was placed in a foster home after being taken from his parents on an emergency basis. The kind of transition and adjustment he needed to quickly make would be difficult for any adult, let alone a six year old boy with a family history of trauma. Before going to his first day of school, Avery’s social worker brought him a brand new backpack filled with 1st grade supplies: pencils, crayons, paper, writing tablet, and (of course) a stuffed animal. His grin was immeasurable! But most importantly, it was reported that he was proud when he walked into his new school and met his teacher. He was as ready as he could possibly be. Donors to Friends of Children’s Foster Dignity Project made that happen. … More Back to School with Dignity

“I think most people are somewhat aware that children in state care face many challenges. However, through this volunteer experience I’ve realized just how deep the rabbit hole goes– the challenges facing these kids are more pervasive than I ever imagined. As a CASA, we get to be part of the solution. This is crucial and rewarding work, and I feel honored to be a part of it. ,” Mamatas says. … More CASA Volunteer Informational Sessions

In (fy) 2015 Friends of Children and its community delivered clothes and supplies to 459 foster youth, served 79 abused or neglected youth, trained 30 volunteers, advocated for improvements to the foster care system, and commenced organizing a conference on addiction and child welfare. With your help and support we will continue to expand our reach and develop new programs while staying true to our belief that every child deserves a brighter future. … More What we’ve accomplished in a year

Friends of Children sent out the following letter to our snail mail and email list on Friday. Will you consider making your gift before the end of the fiscal year on June 30th? June 2016 Dear Friend, 8,760 hours That’s the time it took Friends of Children to get 12-year-old Jose to his own … More Spring Appeal

Did you know Friends of Children’s Red Shoe Ball got its name from Dorothy’s red ruby slippers in the “Wizard of Oz” because, “Children in foster care long for a home they can call their own. For them, there is indeed no place like home.” … More A Good Time Had By All

Friends of Children Board President, Susan Karas, delivered the following speech at this year’s Red Shoe Ball: “Good evening everyone and welcome to the 2016 Friends of Children Red Shoe Ball! I’m so excited to see such a great turnout this year. For those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, I’m Susan … More Remarks from Board President at the Red Shoe Ball

Friday, May 13, 2016 6:30pm Quonquont Farm, Whately, MA Join us for an evening of drinks, mingling, dancing, and live and silent auction bidding. With Joan Holliday as deejay and Monte Belmonte as emcee this event is going to make a splash! All proceeds benefit Friends of Children’s independent child advocacy in Franklin and Hampshire Counties. This … More Red Shoe Ball 2016